High School Musical

By MANDY BOURGEOIS, Chronicle staff writer

Wednesday

May 9, 2007 at 12:01 AM

The Ovilla Christian School drama department will present a stage adaptation of “High School Musical,” featuring a cast of the school’s high school students at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 10, through Saturday, May 12, at the Ovilla Christian School auditorium.

“High School Musical is a story of two high school students, Troy Bolton, who is captain of his school’s basketball team, and Gabriella Montez, a shy transfer student who excels in math and science.

“Together, they try out for the lead parts in their high school musical. Despite other students’ attempts to thwart their dreams, Troy and Gabriella persist and inspire others along the way,” said Luanne Hays, fine arts director and choir director at Ovilla Christian School. “The Emmy Award-winning television film was one of the most successful Disney Channel Original Movies ever produced, as well as a number-one soundtrack that is certified triple-platinum, making it one of the most commercially-successful records of 2006.”

The cast features Dan Desmond at Troy Bolton and Melissa Todd as Gabriella Montez. Cast members include Vincent Verheyden as Chad Danforth, Shannon Shaw as Taylor McKessie, Shelby Foster as Sharpay Evans and David Sague as Ryan Evans.

“I have the privilege of working with so many talented students! Almost every actor in our musical has also been involved in sports and academic competitions, as well as this musical. As a matter of fact, every one of my high school choir members, including our entire show choir, which received fourth place overall at state competition is a part of the musical,” Hays said. “The students I have are some of the most dedicated, sweet spirited young people I have ever worked with. There are actually 50 cast members in this musical.”

The musical will feature many of the same songs that fans of the Original Disney Movie have come to love, including “Get’cha Head in the Game,” “What I’ve Been Looking For,” “We’re All in this Together,” “Breaking Free” and “Bop to the Top.”

“This musical appeals to all ages,” Hays said. “Adults will be able to relate to Coach Bolton and Mrs. Darbus and students will definitely relate to the constant tug of war between sports and fine arts.”

The department held tryouts in December 2006 and the cast has been rehearsing since mid-January.

Hays’ decision to present the stage version of “High School Musical” came after watching the movie last year.

“Last summer, one of my students brought this musical to my attention. At that time it was a made for TV movie. I loved it, and thought it represented well our stereotypical ideals we have about each other. The music is fun, the story is universal and I knew our kids would love it,” Hays said. “The stage version was only made available recently. We are actually performing the One Act Edition, but we do have an intermission.”

Hays has employed the help of Lisa Dryer as stage manager, Paul Dryer as sound technician and Candace Snow for choreography.

Doors open at 6:45 p.m. each performance night. Tickets are for general seating and may be purchased in the Ovilla Christian School office or by calling (972) 617-1177, ext. 348. Tickets are $5 each.

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